“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” Zechariah 4:6-7
I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 4:1-7, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 4:1-14 (4:1-7, 8-10, 11-14). Here, Zechariah's visions from the Lord continue to unfold - this time with a vision of a Golden Lampstand as noted by the text's header. Zechariah is talking with an angel who seeks to have Zechariah focus on a lampstand that is before him. Per vv1-3, the lampstand is of all gold, has a bowl on top of it, seven lamps, each with seven lips, and two olive trees beside it - one on the left and one on the right. The use of lampstands (see also other scripture references here) suggests a holy place such as the tabernacle or temple, a place where we see the presence of God. Similarly the use of olive trees suggests provision or abundance, of course provided by God alone as a result of His grace and blessing for His people in return for their obedience to Him. Vv6-7 are key as the angel shares with Zechariah what the significance and meaning of this vision. The Lord will deliver a message to (and through) Zerubbabel (governor of Judah and through whom Jesus descends - see also Matthew 1) that the almighty God is coming through the Spirit (Messiah) and similar to John 1:23 (see also Isaiah 40:3-4), we are told to "make straight the way of the Lord" suggesting easy passage for the coming messiah - Zechariah's vision shares (4:7) how the wilderness will become a plain. Accompanying the Spirit will be "the top stone" suggesting the cornerstone - the coming Messiah. This Spirit will arrive "amid shouts of Grace, grace to it." This shouting calls to mind similar shouting of hosanna by those greeting the arrival of Jesus on a donkey on Easter. Believers know that such a vision is indeed a prophecy of the coming Messiah and Jesus fulfills this prophecy! He is the promised One and Hope!
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope that You are and for Your faithfulness to fulfill all the promises and prophecies You make. You are indeed faithful and I can count on You. Thank You! I am not deserving of Your faithfulness. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
